Shocks and Struts in Marble Falls, TX
If your ride has become bouncy, harsh or loose, worn shocks and struts may be part of the reason. This page explains the signs, what shocks and struts do, and what to tell us when you call.
When drivers start asking about shocks and struts
A bouncy or floaty ride
The vehicle keeps bouncing after a bump or dip instead of settling quickly.
The front end dives when braking
The nose of the vehicle drops noticeably when you press the brake pedal.
Leaning or swaying in turns
The vehicle feels less planted through curves or in crosswinds.
Clunking over bumps
A knock or clunk from a wheel area when you drive over rough pavement.
A harsher ride than before
Bumps feel sharper or louder than they used to, even on roads you know.
Uneven tire wear or oily residue
Patchy wear on tires, or oily residue on the body of a shock or strut, can both go along with wear.
Shocks, struts and how the ride feels
Shocks and struts control how your vehicle's springs move. They help keep the tires in steady contact with the road and settle the body after bumps, which affects comfort, handling and braking.
A strut is a structural part of the suspension that also does the work of a shock, so some vehicles have struts, others have shocks, and some have a mix. Which one your vehicle uses is part of what an inspection looks at.
Ride and handling symptoms can also come from tires, wheels or other suspension parts, so a bouncy ride does not automatically mean worn shocks. That is why inspection comes before replacement.
What this page covers
- Inspecting shocks and struts and explaining what condition they are in
- Replacing shocks and struts that are worn
- Explaining the recommendation in plain language
Limits of this page
- This page covers shocks and struts only. We have not published other suspension, steering or alignment work. Ask when you call.
- We cannot say from a description whether shocks or struts are the cause of a ride problem.
- How long yours will last depends on the vehicle, the roads and the load, so we do not give a mileage figure.
What to tell us when you call
- The year, make and model of your vehicle
- How the ride feels: bouncy, harsh, loose or noisy
- Whether the noise happens over bumps, in turns or when braking
- Which corner of the vehicle the noise seems to come from
- Whether you often carry heavy loads or tow
Questions worth asking the shop
- Does my vehicle have shocks, struts or both?
- Is it safe to drive while I wait to have this looked at?
- Does it make sense to replace them in pairs on my vehicle?
- Could something other than shocks and struts cause this?
Shocks & Struts questions
How do I know if my shocks or struts are worn?
Common signs are a bouncy ride, front-end dive when braking, leaning in turns, clunking over bumps, uneven tire wear and fluid on the shock body. An inspection is the way to confirm.
How long do shocks and struts last?
It depends on the vehicle, mileage, road conditions and how much weight it carries. Rather than relying on a number, have them inspected if you notice symptoms.
Should shocks and struts be replaced in pairs?
Wear on one side usually means the other side is worn too, and mismatched parts can make handling uneven. Call to discuss what makes sense for your vehicle.
What is the difference between a shock and a strut?
Both control spring movement. A strut also supports the vehicle's weight and is part of the suspension structure, while a shock is a separate damper.
Related services
- Auto repair for engine and transmission concerns
When the concern is broader than the ride, such as a noise you cannot place.
- Computer diagnostics for warning lights and hard-to-place problems
When a warning light, such as ABS or traction control, comes on.
See all services in Marble FallsWhere we are and who we serve
Talk through your ride concern
- Shop address2204 Commerce St
Marble Falls, TX 78654 - Phone830-201-4009
- HoursMonday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pmSaturday - Sunday: Closed